Writing Samples - Grant For River Jim Learning Solutions

This grant was prepared on behalf of the nonprofit River Jim Learning Solutions to apply for funding from the Joseph & Vera Long Foundation. Below, you can see the problem statement as well as the goals and outcomes section. The final grant also included a program narrative and budget section. I drafted this with information and feedback from the organization.

The chosen foundation was selected in concert with River Jim Learning Solutions based on a prospecting report I completed on their behalf after extensively researching grants for which they were eligible.

Problem Statement

The smell of pine trees, the sound of birdsong, the cool touch of the river under one’s fingertips –it’s not difficult to believe that access to nature can benefit our mental, and even physical, health. For children, experiences in nature have been shown to improve language and communication skills as well as reduce stress, improve attention, and lead to better academic outcomes. (1,2) Unfortunately, according to a study by the American Center for Progress, 70% of low-income families in America live in nature-deprived areas compared to 48% of moderate-income families and 52% of high-income families. The same study found that communities of color are three times more likely than white communities to live in these areas. The report defines “nature-deprived” as having “a higher proportion of natural area lost to human activity,” including urbanization and construction of infrastructure.3

The canoe trips provided by River Jim Learning Solutions (River Jim) give children from these communities a chance to grow, play, learn, and engage with nature in ways they otherwise couldn’t. Their families often lack the resources to reach lakes and rivers due to the cost of transportation, let alone canoe or camp there, activities often limited to those who can afford instruction and equipment. Research shows these kinds of experiences may help children become more confident and better stewards of nature in ways that will serve them their whole lives. 3 "I believe that I'm a better student when I went to River Jim trip because I got to know teachers better and be more socialize [sic] to students and teachers," one participant wrote. Previously, River Jim used the vehicles of the Willows Unified School District to take children to the rivers, lakes, and campgrounds for their trips due to the CEO’s position as a teacher. Now, they will need a new method of transportation due to his retirement. This grant will help River Jim provide transportation to ~150 children from low-income communities this year so they can experience expertly guided river trips full of fun and education.

1. Strife S, Downey L. Childhood Development and Access to Nature: A New Direction for Environmental Inequality Research. Organ Environ. 2009 Mar;22(1):99-122. doi: 10.1177/1086026609333340. PMID: 21874103; PMCID: PMC3162362.

2. Scott S, Gray T, Charlton J, Millard S. The Impact of Time Spent in Natural Outdoor Spaces on Children's Language, Communication and Social Skills: A Systematic Review Protocol. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 23;19(19):12038. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191912038. PMID: 36231338; PMCID: PMC9566327.

3. Rowland-Shea J, Doshi S, Edberg S, Fanger R. The Nature Gap: Confronting Racial and Economic Disparities in the Destruction and Protection of Nature in America. Center for American Progress. Published July 21, 2020.

Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes

Goal 1: Connect children from underserved communities with engaging experiences in nature they would not otherwise have.
- Objective: Members of River Jim’s board will participate in at least two community outreach events to recruit children from underserved communities in Glenn and/or Butte County. River Jim will also work with local schools to identify potential participants.
- Objective: River Jim’s board will organize trips for at least 100 children from communities in these counties by transporting them to the waterways of Northern California to canoe or canoe and camp in 2026. These trips will include transportation by passenger van or school bus if partnering with a school, all paddling equipment, safety equipment, camping equipment, and food.
- Outcome: Children’s feelings about nature will be assessed via pre-/post- surveys, and more than half will express a more positive relationship with nature. Children will also be given the opportunity to record digital stories of their experiences.
- Outcome: At least 60% of participants will belong to a BIPOC community.
Goal 2: Engage children in risky play that will build confidence throughout their lives.
- Objective: River Jim team members will transport children to locations that challenge them to interact with a new environment with the protection of teachers and trained outdoor guides. Activities may include paddling, swimming, hiking, and/or exploring the outdoors.
- Outcome: More than half the children who participate will successfully complete at least one challenging outdoor activity they initially expressed concern about as assessed via pre-survey such as paddle, swim, or observe wildlife.
Goal 3: Engage children with the sciences in a way that will positively impact their school experience.
- Objective: River Jim will work with teachers to give children tasks to collaborate on prior to trip such as “Robinson Crusoe Challenge” where students design and build a watercraft that would hold at least one student who could paddle the craft 10 yards without sinking for one-day trips.
- Objective: River Jim team members will teach children about California watersheds and how they lead to the Pacific Ocean.
- Outcome: Children will launch their “Robinson Crusoe Challenge” projects on the water and see the results of their efforts which may be documented by photographs and within digital stories.
- Outcome: Over half of the participating children will have a better understanding of how the water they see fits into the larger picture of all water in California as assessed via pre- and post-surveys.